2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee evoked a strong sense of déjà vu, primarily because it adhered to traditional Jeep design elements. It also closely resembled the prior year's Grand Cherokee L, a three-row variant. In an unusual move, Jeep launched the three-row Grand Cherokee L first as a 2021 model. The two-row, five-passenger Grand Cherokee followed suit, sharing much of its powertrain and trim-level lineup with its bigger sibling.

With trim levels named Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, buyers had choices galore, and prices ranged from $37,390 to $63,365, excluding a $1,795 destination charge. In Utah, driving almost every version of the new Grand Cherokee revealed a versatile SUV. From the budget-friendly Laredo to the off-roading beast Trailhawk and the luxurious Summit Reserve, each trim kept its promise.

The Grand Cherokee's design drew inspiration from classic Jeep models, notably the 1963 Wagoneer, and featured a seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and the option for a black roof. Initially limited in paint options, more colors were assured to be forthcoming. Internally, the 2022 Grand Cherokee mirrored the 2021 Grand Cherokee L. It ranged from basic yet quality cloth seats in the Laredo to premium quilted leather and advanced features in the Summit Reserve. However, higher trims’ glossy black controls suffered from reflections, whereas the matte finish on lower trims was more practical.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered six trims, from the budget-friendly LE to the plush Limited with ventilated seats. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims retained the distinctive two-part face from the 2019 design.

The Adventure trim featured blacked-out wheels, a faux skid plate, and noticeable black cladding around the wheel arches. Inside, it introduced orange accents and a more premium feel with features like a frameless rearview mirror. Yet, for a classier touch, the Toyota Venza was recommended despite riding on the same platform.

Trim variations included fabric seats in LE and XLE, synthetic leather in XLE Premium, and heated and ventilated seats with memories in higher trims. Dual-zone climate control added comfort, standard on all but the base trim, further cementing its appeal for varied preferences.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was offered with RWD or 4WD, featuring either a V6 or V8 engine. A 3.6-liter V6 powered most test vehicles, delivering 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds. The optional 5.7-liter V8, exclusive to higher trims and 4WD, offered 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, raising the towing limit to 7,200 pounds.

Three 4WD systems were available: the automatic Quadra-Trac I for light off-roading, Quadra-Trac II with a two-speed transfer case for rougher terrain, and the serious off-roading Quadra-Drive II. Each served different purposes across various trims.

Fuel economy varied between 17 mpg (V8/4WD) to 21 mpg (V6/RWD). Despite its complexity, the Trailhawk trim proved its off-roading worth with features like electronic locking rear differential and Quadra-Lift air suspension. The V6 engine, while less loud than the V8, was preferred for its efficiency and balanced acceleration.

In comparison, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with FWD, apart from the AWD Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims. AWD added a Snow Mode and was exclusive to the hybrid variants. Powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, it delivered 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque and was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Though noisier than competitors like the Subaru Forester, the RAV4’s performance leaned more towards practical than thrilling.

The Adventure trim, more cosmopolitan than rugged, featured 19-inch all-season tires, while the TRD Off-Road enhanced the setup with 18-inch all-terrain tires and a TRD-tuned suspension for actual off-roading challenges.

Jeep aimed for driver and passenger comfort with the 2022 Grand Cherokee. Higher trims offered luxuries like heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and seat massagers. The redesign improved visibility and situational awareness, particularly useful off-road, complemented by a panoramic sunroof enhancing cabin openness.

While the rear seat felt cramped with not-so-friendly plastic trim, the two-row Grand Cherokee delivered practical cargo space: 37.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 70.8 cubic feet when folded. For more space, the Grand Cherokee L offered superior legroom and cargo capacity.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 accommodated five passengers with varying space across trims. With the moonroof, it provided 37.7 inches of front-row headroom and 39.5 inches in the rear, outshining competitors like the Honda CR-V in rear headroom. Legroom measured 41 inches in front and 37.8 inches in the back, placing it competitively except for a narrower rear seat.

Cargo space was reasonable at 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with seats folded. This positioned the RAV4 between the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V within the storage space spectrum.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee welcomed a technology overhaul, packing advanced features from a head-up display and Night Vision to a five-screen setup for infotainment. The next-gen Uconnect 5 system boasted enhanced responsiveness and OTA updates, paired with screen sizes ranging from 8.4 to 10.1 inches. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and dual-device Bluetooth connectivity, with upgrades like navigation and a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system.

An optional 10.25-inch passenger touchscreen reduced driver distraction while offering entertainment options, though it came at a steep price. The configurable Home display and effective voice recognition technology further solidified its tech credentials.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 entered 2023 with a much-needed infotainment update. Standard features included an 8.0-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to a 10.5-inch screen in higher trims, supporting OTA updates, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The upgraded multimedia system came at a $3,490 premium, adding an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system. A standard 7-inch driver-information display was upgradeable to a 12.3-inch version in the Limited trim.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee improved structurally with extensive use of aluminum and high-strength steel, backing an impressive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. Unique features like Intersection Collision Assist and Level 2 semi-autonomous Active Driving Assist demonstrated its advanced safety tech. A hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was anticipated for 2022, highlighting a future of semi-autonomous driving on approved roads.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 equipped its full lineup with comprehensive safety features, from lane-departure warning and automatic emergency braking to adaptive cruise control and TSS 2.5 systems. This included Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Earning top marks with the IIHS, the RAV4 secured a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award, reflecting its superior safety assurances.